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Solicitors instruct barristers. Solicitors will always go back to people who served them well and with whom they got on. That is why solicitors have their pet counsel, and counsel have their pet solicitors. This method of practice is as old as the professions themselves. It does nothing to encourage diversity, but why should it?

When I need counsel for a particular issue, I will instruct according to what and who I know. I will pick the best person for the task at hand, as judged by my own experience. At no point will I think 'Ah, well I instructed a black woman last time, so I'd better make sure I instruct a white man this time'.

Can somebody with a better grasp on being right on than me kindly tell me if I'm doing something wrong? I had thought that my job was to do the best for my client, but it appears I ought to be working for the benefit of a diversity officer in an Inn of Court.

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